How to Recover Deleted Photos from Gallery

Introduction

Losing precious photos can be heartbreaking, but thankfully, there are ways to recover them. This guide will walk you through various methods to restore deleted photos from your gallery, whether you’re using an Android or iOS device, and even if the photos are permanently deleted.

1. Check the ‘Recently Deleted’ Folder

Most smartphones store deleted photos in a “Recently Deleted” or “Trash” folder for a limited time, usually 30 days. Here’s how to retrieve them:

For Android

• Open your Gallery or Photos app.
• Look for the Trash or Recently Deleted folder.
• Select the photos you want to recover and tap Restore.

For iPhone

• Open the Photos app and go to the Albums tab.
• Scroll down to find the Recently Deleted folder.
• Select the photos and tap Recover.

If your photos aren’t here, they may have been permanently deleted. Don’t worry—other recovery options are available.

2. Use Cloud Backup Services

Many users enable cloud backup services that automatically save photos. Check if your photos are stored in these services:

Google Photos (Android & iOS)

• Open the Google Photos app.
• Search for your photos in the library or check the Trash folder.
• Select the photos and tap Restore.

iCloud (iOS):

• Open the Settings app and tap your name.
• Go to iCloud > Photos.
• Check if the missing photos are in iCloud Photos. You can access them via the Photos app or by logging into iCloud.com.

Other Services

• OneDrive, Dropbox, or similar apps might have backups. Log in to your account and check for your photos.

3. Use Photo Recovery Apps

If the photos are not in the Recently Deleted folder or cloud backups, you can use recovery apps. These apps scan your device’s storage for deleted files.

Recommended Apps

• DiskDigger (Android): Effective for recovering lost photos from internal storage or SD cards.
• EaseUS MobiSaver (Android & iOS): A versatile app for recovering deleted photos and other files.
• Dr.Fone (Android & iOS): Known for its robust recovery capabilities.

Steps to Use Recovery Apps

1. Install the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Grant necessary permissions and initiate a scan.
3. Preview the recoverable files and save the ones you need.

4. Recover Photos from SD Card

If your photos were saved on an SD card, you could use data recovery software on a computer.

Steps:

1. Remove the SD card from your device and connect it to a computer using a card reader.
2. Install software like Recuva or PhotoRec.
3. Run the software, select the SD card, and scan for deleted photos.
4. Recover and save the files to your computer.

5. Restore via Device Backup

Regularly backing up your device can save you from data loss. If you have a backup, restore your device to retrieve deleted photos.

For Android

• Go to Settings > System > Backup.
• Restore from a recent backup.

For iOS

• Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes installed.
• Select Restore Backup and choose the most recent backup.

Note: Restoring a backup will overwrite existing data on your device.

6. Contact Professional Recovery Services

If all else fails, consider contacting a professional data recovery service. These services use advanced tools to retrieve lost data from damaged or inaccessible storage.

Tips to Prevent Photo Loss

1. Enable Cloud Backups: Regularly sync your photos to services like Google Photos or iCloud.
2. Use Reliable Storage: Invest in high-quality SD cards and avoid overloading your device’s storage.
3. Regular Backups: Schedule periodic backups to your computer or external drive.
4. Handle Devices Carefully: Prevent physical damage to your phone or storage devices.